The Exchange

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted, mainly along party lines, that former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial is constitutional. Now senators must determine whether Trump committed high crimes and misdemeanors by inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Impeachment managers have since begun laying out their case by highlighting the former president's language during a rally on Jan. 6 and his frequent unfounded claims of widespread election fraud, and linking that with the violence that erupted at the Capitol that day as the Electoral College met.

Trump's lawyers have argued that some of the language singled out by Democrats, including urging his followers to "fight," falls well within the norms of political speech protected by the First Amendment. We look at the arguments thus far and what to expect in the days ahead.

Air date: Feb. 11, 2021

There are any number of reasons for deciding to eat less meat. We explore the ramifications of different food choices and learn more about our food systems. We get help figuring out how to devise healthy plant-based meals, including nutrition for children and athletes, as well as how to address specific concerns if you're considering a vegan diet. This is a By Degrees program, part of NHPR's climate reporting initiative. We're collecting recipes and recipe links from listeners and staff; scroll down to check them out.  Airdate: Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021

A tale of three cities. We talk with the mayors of Manchester, Rochester, and Keene about their communities during pandemic times. Some challenges have been new, due to this unprecedented health crisis. Others, such as homelessness and a scarcity of affordable housing, are long-standing but receiving new attention. 

We’ll hear the mayors’ perspectives on these and other matters, including how they have been coming together to alert state officials about their concerns.

Air date: Feb. 9, 2021

What can a graveyard tell you about civics, race, history, and memory? And how do gravesites of Black Americans in New Hampshire help us deepen our state's, and nation's, history?

Check out Past Lives, Present Learning, a project from Civics 101 and the Black Heritage Trail, which explores some of these historic locations in New Hampshire. 

Air date: Monday, February 8, 2021. 

Gov. Chris Sununu is vowing to jettison a problematic sign-up website for scheduling for second dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments. The state reports that 110,000 N.H. residents have gotten the first vaccine shot, but many are struggling with a federal website to register for the second vaccination. Sununu says the state is working to create their own registration system. House Bill 20 aims to set-up a school choice program that some are calling the most sweeping such legislation in the country. We talk to the newest member of the State Board of Education. The state of Nevada takes steps to challenge New Hampshire’s first in the nation primary status. And we consider whether we should root for or against Tom Brady in the Superbowl. 

We ask Democratic U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan on Wednesday about preparations for the Senate impeachment trial of former President Trump, as well as the federal response to the pandemic, and whether compromise is in store for coronavirus relief and other issues such as climate change.

Hassan serves on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; and the Finance Committee in the U.S. Senate. This week, Hassan was also named a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

Call in during the show: 800-892-6477, and email comments to exchange@nhpr.org

Air date: Feb. 3, 2021

New snow is causing outdoor recreation companies to cheer, and with outdoor sports considered a relatively safe way to recreate during the pandemic, N.H.'s outdoor economy is surging. In fact, N.H. has a newly established Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development that aims to support the state's outdoor economy. We discuss how the state plans to help businesses capitalize on the interest in getting outdoors and the ramifications for infrastructure, affordable housing, and conservation of the state’s wild places.

Airdate: Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021

The past year has been a living civics lesson for our country: two impeachments, a tense election, a split U.S. Senate, and an insurrection at the Capitol. We talk with two New Hampshire educators about how they’re bringing these realities into their classrooms, and how students are tapping into this moment. 

Looking for lesson plans, activities, and podcast episodes for students? Check out Civics 101. 

Air date: Monday, February 1, 2021. 

State officials say vaccination efforts so far are helping to move COVID-19 numbers in the right direction, though some have found the sign-up process frustrating. Republicans in Concord revive “Right to Work” legislation that Democrats say would hurt unions. And NPR’s Ron Elving joins us for analysis of the first week of the Biden Administration.

For help with coronavirus vaccine questions, visit NHPR's guide. You can also fill out NHPR's survey on your experience with COVID-19 and the vaccine. 

Air date: Jan. 29, 2021

The Challenger disaster occurred 35 years ago, and while we mourn the entire crew, in New Hampshire the anniversary is especially poignant as we mourn the loss of Concord teacher Christa McAuliffe. We consider how her legacy has inspired a new generation of educators and a new era in space exploration. We shine a light on projects at the state’s universities and colleges that are helping NASA and expanding our knowledge of space. 

Airdate: Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021

The performance of inaugural poet Amanda Gorman during last week's swearing in ceremony of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris was a call for unity - for, as Gorman put it, "bridges" not "blades." We talk with a panel of poets about that moment, about why certain poems stay with us, about why the art of poetry matters - and how it is evolving.

Air date: Jan. 27, 2021

What's it like to come of age during a time of extreme political division and a global pandemic? We talk with young Granite Staters about how the past year has shaped and impacted them, and what they're thinking about the future.

Air date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021. 

While efficiency upgrades can save money and cut back on your carbon footprint, how much should we invest, especially during a pandemic? It’s been a big debate for N.H. utility regulators. The Public Utilities Commission delayed their decision on this issue in December 2020 and is expected to make a ruling by mid-February 2021. As part of  NHPR’s By Degrees climate reporting project, we examined the pros and cons of greater efficiency, and whether businesses and residents should have to deal with up-front costs to create savings down the road. What does this debate say about the state’s energy future? 

Airdate: Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. Original airdate: Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president amid unprecedented security measures in Washington D.C. and at state capitols. State lawmakers in New Hampshire, still adjusting to pandemic logistics, hear public testimony on bills addressing voting issues and public access to police records and disciplinary hearings. And significant community spread of the coronavirus continues in New Hampshire and across the country as the Biden Administration works to ramp up vaccinations and expand testing.

Air date: Friday, Jan. 22, 2021

We talk about the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, Jan. 20, including Biden's inaugural speech, the biggest challenges he'll face, and the new administration. We really want to hear from you. What does this moment mean to you personally? What are your biggest concerns as Biden takes office?

Air date: Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. 

We talk about the new, more contagious variant of COVID-19, and what that means for both personal and public health, and we learn more about how the vaccine protects you and others, and have to behave safely before and after vaccination. 

Air date: Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. 

COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues, with national and state logistical challenges. We talk about the hurdles involved, how the state is managing the distribution process, and the latest information on how and when people will get their shots in New Hampshire. 

Air date: Tuesday, January 19, 2021

How do the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., speak to us in this tumultuous moment of American history?  Join our special call-in show in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as we talk with Black activists and civil rights historians about recent events and what wisdom and lessons they take from King's life. How are you reflecting on the legacy and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. this year?

Airdate: Monday, Jan. 18, 2021

House lawmakers indict President Trump a week before he leaves office for inciting a deadly riot with false claims of a stolen election. It was the first time in history a president has been impeached twice. How will this play out in the Senate, which is likely to take up the debate once Trump is no longer president? Meanwhile, the Capitol is gearing up, and bracing for, the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden amid nationwide threats of armed protests, including at state captitols across the country. Biden this week meanwhile released a $1.9 trillion spending plan that includes a national vaccine program and reflects the idea that defeating the pandemic and reviving the economy are intertwined.

Air date: Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. 

The past four years, from the Mueller investigation, the first impeachment of President Trump, and the discussions about presidential pardons, have demonstrated the complicated Constitutional questions of how a sitting President may be held accountable. After the House voted for a second time to impeach President Trump, we talk about what's next, as we near the transition of power. What do you think Congress should do next?

Air date: Thursday, January 14, 2021. 

We discuss last week's attempted coup at the U.S. Capitol in D.C. while exploring how social media and disinformation campaigns contributed to this moment. We also put the attack in historic context and talk about how news coverage is part of the discussion. 

Air date: Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. 

With the pandemic still surging, state lawmakers have had to figure out new ways to meet and vote, let alone how to vote on the substance of hundreds of bills -- addressing education funding, taxes, voting issues, energy and the environment, and more. Also on the agenda: crafting a new two-year budget. Last week, about 400 House members met in a UNH parking lot, voting from their cars to elect Rep. Sherman Packard, a Republican from Londonderry, Speaker of the House. The same day, In Washington D.C., a mob of pro-Trump extremists attacked the U.S. Capitol, leading to to the deaths of several people, including a Capitol police officer. In the aftermath, state capitols have been at heightened alert, including in Concord. We get a preview of what's likely to dominate discussion at the Statehouse in the upcoming months.

Air date: Monday, Jan. 11, 2021.

After Wednesday's storming of the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump extremists, we take stock of where we are now. Many were arrested, including one from New Hampshire. What do local Republicans say about the President of their party being labeled an instigator? What are your reactions to Wednesday's attack? Email us at exchange@nhpr.org.  

Air date: Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. 

As Congress conducted a formal count of electoral votes Wednesday afternoon, a mob of pro-Trump extremists stormed Capitol Hill, leading to an armed standoff, at least one death, and curfew in Washington D.C. While the story unfolds, The Exchange wants to hear from listeners: how are you feeling about the ongoing situation in D.C.? Email exchange@nhpr.org. 

Air date: Thursday, January 7, 2021.

The 117th Congress was sworn in Sunday and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., began her third term in the U.S. Senate. We will speak with Shaheen on Wednesday, Jan. 6, about some of America's major domestic and foreign policy challenges - including the pandemic, the political tumult surrounding the presidential election, and increasing tensions with Iran and Russia.

Shaheen has worked on pandemic relief legislation with a focus on helping small businesses and increasing funding for substance misuse treatment. She has also indicated there could be more federal help on the way as coronavirus infection numbers remain high amid the vaccine rollout. We also get her take on President-elect Joe Biden's agenda, which includes ambitious plans to tackle climate change.

Air date: Jan. 6, 2021

 COVID-19 has proven to be more deadly than the seasonal flu, but over the past year, we’ve learned about significant long term impacts of the virus, both on those who are hospitalized and those with milder cases, including breathing issues, extreme fatigue, and neurological and psychological symptoms. We discuss what we know, and don’t know, about living with the impacts of COVID-nineteen long after infection.

Air date: Tuesday, January 5, 2021.